A senior police officer demoted over a sectarian comment has lodged a ­bullying complaint against a high-flying detective.

Former chief inspector Ruth ­Gilfillan, who was stripped of three ranks after a bigotry row, claims DCI Julie Henry targeted fellow ­officers with threats during an investigation into her own conduct.

Gilfillan submitted allegations to Police Scotland top brass while she was being probed over a remark to a colleague about a Celtic birthday cake she said was a joke.

She was told last October that no action would be taken against the ex-Counter Corruption Unit boss after an investigation cleared Henry of any wrongdoing.

Now Gilfillan’s complaint is being examined by the Police Investigations and Review ­Comissioner. A PIRC spokeswoman said: “The ­complainer is being kept informed with the progress.”

Gilfillan raised the issue with the force in November 2016. The ­complaint centres on claims Henry was “threatening and oppressive” to officers while she conducted an investigation into Gilfillan.

Gilfillan, 45, was demoted in November after being found guilty of behaviour unbecoming of a police officer – which led to a salary cut from £55,000 to £38,000.

Chief Superintendent Mark ­Hargreaves said an investigation into the complaint about DCI Henry had been carried out and a full response sent on October 19.

He added: “If the complainer is unhappy, they are at liberty to refer the ­complaint to PIRC for review.”

Gilfillan led the force’s human trafficking unit and appeared in Channel 4 ­documentary Modern British ­Slavery before her demotion.

Henry received a ­bravery award when she and a colleague pulled a man from a house fire in Oban, Argyll in 1997.